Family members, friends and associates on Monday in Lagos expressed shock at the demise of Minister of Works and Housing in President Shehu Shagari’s administration, Dr. Wahab Dosumu.
They described Dosumu’s death as “tragic and disheartening’’.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria at the deceased’s residence, Ajike Villa, they noted that the former minister would be missed by all as he was a “peace loving gentleman”.
NAN reports that Dosumu, 74, died at a hospital in the US on Sunday night after a brief illness.
His corpse will arrive Nigeria within the week.
It would be recalled that Dosumu aspired to be governor of Lagos State in 1999 on the platform of Alliance for Democracy but lost the nomination to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He contested and won election into the Senate on the platform of the AD but later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party before the end of his term in 2003.
In his remarks, Alhaji Lineman Olashinku, late Dosumu’s sibbling, described him as “a seasoned politician who never discriminated against any person on the basis of tribe, creed or region.”
“Dosumu will be greatly missed by all, especially politicians, because he never discriminated against anybody and he was a peace loving gentleman,” Olashinku said.
Yomi Olubanjo, the former Personal Assistant to the deceased, described the former National Democratic Coalition chieftain as “a jolly good fellow whose goodwill was noticeable everywhere.”
Olubanjo said: “Nigeria has lost a rear gem and a man who told no lies.
“He will be missed by the whole Nigeria.”
A Chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Prince Oluyole Olusi, prayed for God to grant the former minister’s soul eternal rest.
“A lover of humanity has departed,:” Olusi said.
Former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, also described him “as a man of truth.”
Olanrewaju said the deceased would be fondly remembered for his goodwill and love for humanity, adding: “His death is a great loss to all of us.”
NAN reports that no fewer than 70 early callers, friends, family members as well as business partners have signed the condolence register opened at the late Dosumu’s residence.
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